USCIS Now Tests Immigrants for Anti-American Views: How It Happens and Who It Affects

On August 19, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an update to the rules for reviewing applications for visas, green cards, work permits, as well as EB-5 investor visas, extensions of stay in the U.S., adjustment of status, or restoration of student status. Now officers will more strictly check whether an applicant shares anti-American or anti-Semitic views, the website explains USCIS.

From now on, social media checks will be deeper to identify any anti-American sentiments that would be a serious obstacle to approval of an immigration application.

“American benefits are a privilege, not a right,” said USCIS spokesman Matthew Tragesser, calling for strict screening of those seeking to live and work in the United States. These changes are already in effect and apply to all current and new applications.

USCIS will now screen applicants more thoroughly, paying particular attention to their background and social media activity.

If you are seeking an immigration benefit, such as a green card, officers will check whether you have previously applied for entry or parole and whether they complied with the laws at the time. Any support for anti-American ideas or anti-Semitism, including social media posts, will be a serious obstacle to approval of your application.

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Special attention is paid to EB-5 investor visas. If your case shows signs of fraud, deception, threats to national security, or criminal activity, your chances of approval are greatly reduced. The same applies to applications for other EB visas that provide green cards to people with good education or achievements (national interest waivers) or extensions of status, such as for students (F or M) or those applying for work permits.

USCIS has also expanded social media screening to identify anti-American sentiment (yes, we know the term is vague, we’ll explain below). For immigrants, this means being extremely careful about your past and public statements, especially online. Any association with groups considered anti-American or anti-Semitic could bar you from receiving immigration benefits. Make sure your applications are fully compliant with the law, and avoid any actions that could be construed as supporting radical ideas.

What is considered "anti-American ideas"

According to the updated guide, anti-American ideas include:

• supporting or promoting the views of groups classified as terrorist (under U.S. law, such as INA 313(a));
• statements or actions that are against American values ​​(democracy, freedom of speech, or U.S. national security);
• propaganda of anti-Semitism, including support for anti-Semitic terrorist organizations or ideas.

In practice, everything is subjective, and much depends on the officer's interpretation. For example, harsh criticism of US policy on social media will not necessarily be considered anti-American, but support for radical movements or groups that oppose the US will most likely be considered anti-American.

How are “anti-American ideas” tested in practice?

Screening for “anti-American ideas” is a complex and multi-layered process that involves analyzing multiple sources of information. While the exact details of USCIS’s procedures are not always publicly disclosed due to security and privacy concerns, based on the information available and the updated guidance issued on August 19, 2025, it is possible to at least partially understand how it might occur. Below are the key steps in screening for anti-American ideas.

1. Checking social networks

USCIS has expanded its use of social media analysis to detect anti-American sentiment. This means that your posts, comments, likes, and even subscriptions on social media (X, Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms) can be examined. For example, officers can look for direct statements against the United States, its policies, values, or government, or support for groups or ideas that USCIS classifies as anti-American or terrorism-related (unfortunately, there is no single list of such organizations yet).

Reposts, likes or comments can also be considered as "anti-American sentiments". In general, do not put angry emojis under ISIS posts. This may be interpreted differently than you intended.

In practice, this process may involve the use of automated tools to analyze content, as well as manual review by officers if anything raises suspicions.

2. Review of past applications and immigration history

USCIS looks at how you interacted with the immigration system in the past. For example, whether you have filed requests for entry or parole and whether you followed the laws in doing so. Any history of visa violations, deportations, or other immigration status problems.

If, for example, you submitted documents with errors or tried to circumvent the rules, this could be counted as non-compliance with immigration laws, which will negatively impact your case.

3. Interviews and biographical data

During interviews for visas, green cards, or other benefits, USCIS officers may ask questions about your views, affiliations, and background. For example, you may be asked about your views on the United States, its policies, or certain events. Officers also review the background information you provide, including information about your employment, education, travel, and associations, to identify possible ties to organizations considered anti-American or terrorist.

USCIS works with the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Department of State to verify applicants' background.

You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York

Practical tips for immigrants

1. Be careful on social media: Avoid posts, likes, or reposts that could be perceived as supporting radical or anti-American ideas. Even jokes or controversial comments can be misinterpreted.
2. Obey immigration laws: Make sure all your previous applications, visas and travel have complied with the rules. Violations, even minor ones, can be used against you.
3. Prepare for the interview: If you are asked about your views or connections, answer clearly and honestly. Any inconsistencies may arouse suspicion.
4. Check your connections: Make sure you are not associated with organizations or individuals that could be classified as anti-American or terrorist.

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